The Victoria Art Gallery is located in the centre of Bath, next to the famous Pulteney Bridge. It is run by Bath & North East Somerset Council and houses its collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.

The building was designed in 1897 by John McKean Brydon, and has been designated as a Grade II listed building. The exterior of the building includes a statue of Queen Victoria, by Andrea Carlo Lucchesi, and friezes of classical figures by G. A. Lawson.

The Gallery was named to celebrate Queen Victoria's sixty years on the throne. It includes over 1,500 decorative arts treasures, including a display of British oil paintings from 17th century to the present day with works by Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert.

Visiting the gallery

The art displays are over two floors. The permanent collection at the Victoria Art Gallery occupies two rooms on the first floor, whilst the ground floor contains two temporary exhibition spaces which change every couple of months. Should you visit during an exhibition changeover, don't forget that the displays on the first floor remain open as normal. There are various special offers, which can be seen here.

Family activities

The Victoria Art Gallery provides a range of activities for kids of all ages. Take a look below at what we have to offer.

Holiday activities

A range of free activities and events take place in the school holidays. They are suitable for children aged 3-11 years. Keep an eye on our What's on pages to keep up to date with the latest events. You can also download our What's on leaflet from January-June 2019.

Children's crafts

Art trolleys are stocked with a range of art materials to try out, including colouring sheets, word searches and Pilu’s portrait trail.

Trails

Join in with our Five senses family trail. Find the objects in a selection of pictures in the gallery and talk about them with your family.

Facilities:

• Children's activities: We have worksheets and art trolleys for children stocked with a range of art materials to try out.
• Pushchairs: There is easy access for pushchairs via our side door on Bridge Street. We also have free child carriers available to borrow - please ask at reception on the ground floor.
• Refreshments: A coin-operated drinks machine, cups and saucers are available in the first floor rotunda serving a range of hot drinks. Change is available from the first floor reception.
• Toilets: Toilets and baby changing facilities are available on the first floor with lift access.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is provided in the upper gallery.

The Victoria Art Gallery is open every day, except 25th - 26th December and 1st January

• Open daily from 10:30am - 5pm. Last entry is 4:40pm

Admission prices